Nurses with a bachelor's degree are prepared with the skills and knowledge to assist doctors, physician assistants, and other health care experts in the care of sick or injured people. Bachelor's degree nurses have added training in leadership, nursing research, management and have more options when choosing where to focus their learning and career in health care. Today, more hospitals and employers prefer to hire a nurse with a bachelor's degree over an associate's degree.<br>The RN to BSN program is designed to provide the graduate of an associate degree program in nursing with the opportunity to obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing. The bachelor's degree is the basic preparation for professional nursing practice and leadership positions in nursing. After completing the program, the graduate is qualified for nursing positions in public health agencies, schools, hospitals, and leadership positions. Baccalaureate graduates may also earn commissioned status in the US armed forces, as well as admission to graduate education. The RN to BSN degree program is completed in three to five semesters. Students may begin the RN to BSN major in spring, summer or fall. Students in the RN to BSN program may complete Core Curriculum requirements concurrent with the required RN to BSN courses.